Today started off with Yoga outside, behind the hotel at 6:45 am. It was a pretty extrodinary experience. Following that we headed out to another project, that involved teaching displaced women how to farm and create fertilizer, they took us to someones house and we were shown how to tie Jasmine flowers, how to make plastic baskets, and introduced to a plethra of different herbal remidies, and some really tastey "medicine soup" We were shown around the fertilizer farm and taken to an organic farm down the road. Again it was a great project, with only a few minor flaws. (which I'll get to later). They gave us something called "Pom" which is this funny looking fruit with white-ish jelly stuff on the inside. It was, interesting.
Later in the day we went to Asham to meditate. On the way out of there we saw an elephant coming down the street. (it was on its way to the temple.) So we all followed it to be blessed by it. (aka give it a rupee and it hits you on the head) How often can I say that an elephant hit me on the head...
After that we spent some time wondering around shops, untill it started pouring rain, and then there was lightning and thunder. So, I'm typing this drenched in water in a little room in our hotel.
Today was filled with quite a few beggars, that is definitly one of the most difficult parts of India, I want to help them all, but I know what will happen if I do. Picking and choosing who to help is nearly impossible, but we all do what we can and are comfortable with while we are here.
In other news, I haven't completely lost the ability to understand Tamil. Its not as good as it used to be but it still exists, and I have a pretty easy time getting vendors to leave me alone when I don't want them around. Its been kind of fun seeing how quickly I can slip back int Indian hand gestures and expressions.
Everyday on this trip is different, and they are getting increasingly more interesting so far. Tomorrow we're supposed to climb stairs up a mountain...its still pretty unclear what the details are, but I guess we'll find out when we get there. For now, its time for a long overdue shower, and very soon sleep.
More later.
I miss you all!
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I love it that you can still understand Tamil, Erika! Are you sure you weren't exposed to it at birth?! Toby misses you...
ReplyDeleteErika, Your blog is great. What an adventure. These are the type of adventure that make life worth living. Your mother misses you but she is happy to know that you are happy. Take care. We will have much to talk about when you get back. Leonard
ReplyDeletepuddles would like you to know that she misses you;but, she will be fine until you get back to being able to try to get her to go outside instead of inside.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter -I am amazed and in awe by all you are.
ReplyDeleteMom
Great blog, Erika! Can't wait to read more and it's a nice way to keep in touch. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteErika hi, Looking forward to hearing about the train ride and more blessings. Anyway, who said," money can't buy blessings". I guess they never met an elephant with a trunk".
ReplyDeleteRemember It's the peaceful differences that live in the goodness of one's life-enjoy that difference.